Dispersal zone to be introduced in Liscard

We will introduce a Dispersal Zone in Liscard on Friday (28 January) in response to an increase in reports of youths engaged in anti-social behaviour in Liscard town centre.

The order runs from Friday at 5pm and will last for 48 hours until 5pm on Sunday. Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

The dispersal zone covers the area of Mill Lane, Liscard Road, Martins Lane, Grosvenor Street, Queen Street, Rake Lane, Edinburgh Road, Seaview Road, Burns Avenue, Valkyrie Road, Leander Road, Belvidere Road, Torrington Road, and Rullerton Road.

The order comes under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

If someone has previously been told to leave the area by an officer but then returns, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.

Community Inspector Alan McKeon said: “We have introduced this dispersal zone as an extra precaution in response to a recent increase in reports of anti-social behaviour and criminality committed by youths in Liscard town centre.

"We have received reports of criminal damage to phone boxes, bins and windows as well as public order offences committed against members of the public, shop workers and delivery drivers.

“Residents, visitors to the town centre and businesses have reported this unacceptable behaviour, and extra officers will remain in the area to disperse any groups causing such incidents. 

“We will also provide reassurance to those people who simply want to visit the town centre without having to be confronted with anti-social behaviour. Action will be taken to stop reckless acts of anti-social behaviour to make sure that everyone can feel safe where they live. 

“If you witness any anti-social behaviour or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action.”

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook. You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.

You can also follow @MerPolWirral on Twitter and Facebook for updates and advice.